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Nov 21, 2024
Can A Website Function Properly Without Cookies?
Have you ever wondered how you can still be signed into the browser even after exiting it? Or why do you not need to log in to your shopping account when you add something to your cart? All of this happens because of the cookies we come across on the internet. These cookies have changed the way we use the web.
If you visit a new website, you may receive a message asking for your consent for cookies accessing your data. In addition, the page informs you of the usage of cookies that may track you. You are invited to read and accept the “cookie policy” message and agree or disagree with the same.
Unfortunately, most of the time, we accept these permissions without reading the cookie policies. This puts our data at greater risk, even though the website assures data safety.
What Are Cookies, And How Do They Work?
Cookies are small text files that store information, say your username and password. These cookies help in identifying computers on different networks. More specific cookies like HTTP cookies are used to identify users and improve the browsing experience.
When cookies are transacted between your device and the network server, the server reads the ID and knows what unique content to provide to the user. HTTP cookies are active in developing online browsing experiences, but hackers also use them to observe users’ activity and steal their personal information. This makes cookies a questionable aspect of web browsing.
Websites take the help of cookies to streamline and personalize web experiences. So if you don’t have to log in again or add stuff to your shopping account without signing in, you have cookies to thank. Here are some ways in which cookies were initially intended to be used:
1. Easier session management
Cookies allow websites to recall the user’s previous sessions and preferences. You could restart where you left off with the data and browsing history stored within the cookies. In addition, you could get personalized information due to the choices cookies have gathered about you.
2. Personalized experiences
Customized advertising is the most significant way through which cookies personalize your sessions. If you have wondered how you are getting more advertisements about a product you have searched for recently, these cookies are responsible for them. Cookies use your data to create targeted advertisements catering to different audiences.
3. Tracking shopping preferences
Shopping websites like Amazon use cookies to track those items you have searched for before. Depending on your previous browsing session, they may suggest more things to refine your search and provide better options. The goal is to make the online shopping experience as smooth as possible.
When Shouldn’t You Accept Cookies?
Although cookies were created to provide improved user experiences, hackers use them in unacceptable and unsafe ways. As more people become aware of their data and the need to safeguard them, it raises questions on how they can protect their data. The users’ discretion is vital for data privacy, and here are some scenarios where cookies shouldn’t be accepted.
1. Unencrypted websites
If you are on a site where the lock icon beside the website address is not locked, then that means it is an unencrypted website. An encrypted website simply means that there is no active security system to protect your data; therefore, you shouldn’t accept cookies. If you ignore and accept cookies, you are allowing hackers to access cookies where your personal information, like credit card details, is stored.
2. Third-party cookies
Not all cookies are the same, so you should decline third—party cookies on websites. If you don’t refuse them, your personal information will be passed on to third parties. But, again, not all third parties can be trusted, so avoid anything that puts you and your data in a vulnerable spot.
3. Slow computer speed
If you observe the speed on your device is slowing down, then a possible reason for this could be the heavily—stored cookies on your browser. Cookies occupy a lot of disk space, so check cookies storing your information and delete them, if possible.
4. Sharing private information
If you are sharing your private data on the internet, it is best to decline cookies on the website. Hackers are mostly found on these sites where people enter credentials, so you must be extra careful on banking websites, amongst others. If other alternatives exist to share your private data, adopt those methods instead of transacting online.
What Is A Cookieless World?
Due to the pros and cons of using cookies on the internet, Google has introduced a new concept of a “cookieless world.” Google revealed that it would stop supporting third-party cookies on its Chrome browser by the end of 2023. Since Google Chrome is widely used, this decision will directly impact most websites and marketing campaigns.
This decision was taken after observing how consumers have become enlightened about how companies store and use their data. As a result, there is an increased demand for the freedom to decide on their data. This move will make companies more dependent on first-party data for implementing SEO and other marketing practices.
Now, what are first-party cookies? First—party cookies get stored only when you visit a website. These cookies can collect data for analytics, remember language settings, and store other important data that will enhance user experience. Since they store and use only basic information, people find these cookies less harmful and controversial.
Businesses can craft meaningful and personalized marketing strategies with the basic information they collect about users visiting their websites. They can track clicks and determine where their visitors are going but cannot analyze the user behavior once someone quits their website.
Do Websites Need Cookies To Function?
There are countless websites that don’t need cookies unless you set up your preferences and create an account. There is a slight possibility of websites not requiring cookies to operate. But when generally considered, most websites take the help of cookies to learn more about their customers. To create a safer environment, first-party cookies are a better option than third—party cookies.
Here are some ways you can build websites for the cookieless web:
1. Gather first-party data
With lesser third—party data, organizations will be more dependent on first-party data collected through applications and offline methods for their marketing. For example, you can use a CMS to audit and store people’s personal preferences. Implement practices where the CMS can collect relevant information while compliant with data privacy regulations.
2. Implement content marketing strategies
Content strategies should be the focus of your inbound marketing methods. Although the content in the form of shares, impressions, and likes is helpful, you can derive more benefits and revenue through high—quality content. Audit and see which content type gets your maximum revenue, has the highest engagement, and suits which phase of the customer journey.
3. Use server-side analytics
Google is now focusing more on analytics using machine—learning languages. However, it also implements server—side tagging where website owners have the freedom to control their data and approve how a third—party uses them.
In conclusion
There is an air of suspicion on how things will change for websites, with and without cookies. Undoubtedly, first-party cookies are better than third-party cookies, but will the general public be comfortable with either? Google is implementing different things and shifting gears on advertising, tracking, and cookie usage. But, time will only tell if websites can function successfully and adequately without cookies.
Additionals:
Mashum Mollah is the feature writer of SEM and an SEO Analyst at iDream Agency. Over the last 3 years, He has successfully developed and implemented online marketing, SEO, and conversion campaigns for 50+ businesses of all sizes. He is the co-founder of SMM.
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